Friends, Gardens and Outdoor Living Spaces

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.

~Marcel Proust

I am fortunate to know several talented gardeners whom I call dear friends.  As the summer season has progressed, I’ve paid visits to three wonderful local gardens.  Today I’d like to share just a peek into each unique space.

My friend Ginny‘s yard is filled with beautiful, abundant, colorful garden beds.  One of my favorite elements in her yard is this stunning mosaic bench.

I love the curved lines of the mosaic design which echo the curved lines in the garden beds

  Handmade by Ginny and tucked into the corner of one of her backyard gardens, this bench is not only an unexpected design element but also a practical spot to take a break from the work of weeding.  I love how the colors in the bench perfectly echo the flowers, including these irises, in the garden.  Just lovely.

At my friend Jen‘s home, an eclectic border garden greets you as you approach the entrance.

Great mix of traditional and modern materials

I love the mix of plant material and elements in this garden, especially the lantern which adds a touch of contemporary art to the space.  There’s more drama in this terrace area.

The elephant ear plant is so stunning!

The elephant ear in the window box combined with the surprising addition of an adjacent lemon tree, provides a mix of foliage that both adorns and enlivens this petite space.

There are so many inviting features in my friend Debbie‘s garden that it’s hard to pick a favorite.  One of the most dramatic elements is this beautiful pond that Debbie and her husband constructed.

A spectacular collaboration!

The nearby bench provides a perfect spot to cool off, sip iced tea and share a secret with a friend. This patio is one of the first spaces you see as you enter the yard and you can’t help but be drawn in by this delightful space.

More color echoes: repetition of the green in the cushion, the ferns and the planter foliage

The wire love seat beckons you to sit and enjoy the view, including several interesting items such as sculpture, an ornate iron trellis and across the patio, another water feature: a small copper fountain.

Really, is there any more delightful way to spend a summer afternoon than in the garden of a friend?

xo,

Pamela

Share this!

Tweet